Saipem wins $260 million offshore drilling contract in Côte d’Ivoire as Eni expands deepwater activities

Italian energy services group Saipem has secured an offshore drilling contract worth approximately $260 million from Eni Côte d’Ivoire for a deepwater development campaign scheduled to begin in 2027, strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s position in West Africa’s growing energy sector.

The contract will support drilling activities in ultra-deep waters as part of Eni’s development programme in Ivorian offshore fields. The project is expected to contribute to the expansion of oil and gas production capacity in the country.

The agreement highlights the growing importance of Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore resources following major hydrocarbon discoveries in recent years, including the Baleine field, one of the largest discoveries in the country’s history.

Operated by Eni in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s national oil company Petroci, the Baleine project entered production in 2023 and has become a key pillar of the government’s strategy to increase domestic energy output and strengthen gas supply for electricity generation.

Saipem, one of the world’s leading offshore engineering and drilling companies, has extensive experience in deepwater operations and has participated in major oil and gas projects across Africa and globally.

The new drilling campaign reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition to attract international investment, increase hydrocarbon production and position itself as a regional energy hub in West Africa.

With rising investments in offshore exploration, gas infrastructure and power generation, Côte d’Ivoire aims to become a major player in the region’s energy landscape while supporting industrial growth and economic development.